Don’t drag us into QPR pub row, says Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock

Neil Warnock today distanced Crystal Palace from the incident at Queens Park Rangers’ Christmas lunch that ended with Steven Caulker being taken to hospital.

It was reported that Palace and QPR players were involved in a row at a south- west London pub last Sunday.

Rangers have denied that Caulker, who cut his head, was caught up in an altercation and Warnock says Palace players were not involved in any wrongdoing.

“Do not bring us into it,” said Warnock. “We were there but that is where it ended. We were not together as a group. You notice how there was nothing else mentioned about Crystal Palace. I do not know why it was on the front page.”

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s home game against Stoke, Warnock also confirmed that Damien Delaney is set to sign a new contract.

The defender’s current deal expires at the end of the season but he has agreed a two-year extension.

“He is an important player for the club, on and off the field,” said Warnock. “He is one of our leaders and it is good to tie him down.”

Palace drew 0-0 at Tottenham last weekend and Warnock wants his side to build on their impressive performance.

“It has been a good week,” he said. “We have been playing well for a few weeks, without scoring goals.

“The players have been buoyant in training and I had to hold them back a little bit. But that is a good sign.